JP2005140638A - Navigation system, road image information preparation device, road image information using system using the same, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a navigation system capable of providing a road image suitable for a user with a reduced data volume. <P>SOLUTION: This navigation system is provided with a road image acquiring means 204 for acquiring a road image streaming data including a plurality of road image data for displaying the road image, present position detecting means 11, 212, 213 for detecting the present position, a speed detecting means 11 for detecting a moving speed, display means 205, 206 for displaying the road image based on the road image data updated in order, and a control means 201 for updating the road image data contained in the road image streaming data acquired by the road image acquiring means, to be transmitted to the display means, and for displaying the road image thereby, in every prescribed value of the moving distance calculated based on the present position detected by the the present position detecting means and the moving speed detected by the speed detecting means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a navigation device, a road video information creation device, a road video information utilization system using them, and a recording medium, and more particularly to a technique for performing guidance using a road video.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a moving image display device that creates a database of moving image files created based on landscape information photographed along a road and searches and displays each moving image file as landscape information (for example, Patent Document 1). reference). The moving image display device includes a plurality of map data in which routes such as roads and tracks are displayed, and a storage medium in which a plurality of moving image files that display landscape information of some routes in the map of the map data are stored; A map display module that reads map data from a storage medium and displays the map data on a display; and a video output module that reads a video file corresponding to a route in the map displayed on the display and selected by the keyboard from the storage medium and displays it on the display; It has. According to this moving image display apparatus, a moving image file can be selected and displayed intuitively and intuitively while visually recognizing a route on a map.

  Further, as a similar device, a device that enables recording and reproduction of video using a car navigation system is known (see, for example, Patent Document 2). In this navigation system, map information is read out and displayed on a display device according to the current position of the vehicle detected by the GPS receiving circuit. Further, based on the map information, control information for controlling continuous shooting by the camera is set, and when the vehicle reaches the position indicated by this control information, the shooting by the camera is continuously performed. The captured video is stored as video / audio information in the storage device together with the current position information. The video / audio information stored in the storage device is reproduced while using the position information.

  A navigation device that recognizes the current position of a moving object using a GPS receiver, displays the recognized current position on a map, and guides the route of the moving object. There is known a navigation device that can provide reference information (see, for example, Patent Document 3). In this navigation device, scene information of the travel route previously captured by the imaging device is recorded in the recording unit as a pair with the positioning data of the GPS receiver. When traveling, the control unit searches the recording unit using the current position obtained from the GPS receiver as a key, and displays a scene corresponding to the current position.

  Furthermore, in a car navigation apparatus, there is known a navigation apparatus that displays not only map data but also video data obtained by photographing a landscape on a screen in association with a current position or the like (see, for example, Patent Document 4). In this car navigation apparatus, video data (moving image data) obtained by shooting a landscape is stored in a DVD-ROM. The search point (time) of the moving image data corresponding to the current position detected by the position detection unit is obtained from the link information table, and the moving image data corresponding to the current position is retrieved from the DVD-ROM and read out. This moving image data is decoded by the MPEG2 decoder and then sent to the overlay display unit. Then, a map and a landscape image corresponding to the current position are synthesized by the overlay display unit and displayed on the same screen.

JP 2001-4389 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-94571 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-45171 Japanese Patent No. 3176037

  In the conventional technique described above, the road video is reproduced while updating the individual road video data at predetermined time intervals, so that the video is updated even when the update is unnecessary, for example, when the vehicle is stopped. Therefore, there is a problem that the load of the processing device required for increasing the data amount and updating the video is increased.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and is a navigation device capable of providing a suitable road video to a user with a small amount of data, a road video information creation device, a road video information utilization system using them, and An object is to provide a recording medium.

  A navigation apparatus according to the present invention includes a road video acquisition unit that acquires road video streaming data including a plurality of road video data for displaying a road video, a current position detection unit that detects a current position, and a moving speed detection Calculating based on the current position detected by the current position detecting means and the moving speed detected by the previous speed detecting means. A control means for updating the road video data included in the road video streaming data acquired by the road video acquisition means and sending the road video data to the display means each time the travel distance is a predetermined value; It is what it has.

  The road image information creation device according to the present invention includes an imaging unit that captures a landscape of a road, a current position detection unit that detects a current position, and a plurality of road image data obtained by capturing with the imaging unit. Control means for creating road video streaming data by associating the reproduction start position data created based on the current position detected by the position detection means.

  A road video information creation device according to the present invention includes a 3D road video acquisition unit that acquires 3D CG data representing a road video, and the 3D CG data acquired by the 3D road video acquisition unit in a plurality of MPEG formats. Conversion means for converting into road video data, and control means for creating road video streaming data by associating reproduction start position data with a plurality of road video data obtained by conversion by the conversion means. is there.

  A recording medium according to the present invention records road video data created by the road video information creation device according to any one of claims 5 to 9. The road video information utilization system according to the invention described in claim 11 is a combination of the navigation device according to the invention according to claim 1 and the road video information creation device according to the invention according to claim 6. Furthermore, a road video information utilization system according to the invention described in claim 12 is a combination of the navigation device according to the invention according to claim 1 and the road video information creation device according to the invention according to claim 9.

  According to the present invention, since the road video can be reproduced while updating the plurality of road video data every time the moving distance reaches a predetermined value, the update such as when the vehicle is stopped is unnecessary, and the data amount is small. Can provide a road image suitable for the user.

  According to the present invention, since the navigation device and the road video information creation device can be configured separately, road video streaming data produced by the same or similar company as the map data supply company is maintained and supplied on the recording medium. By doing so, it is possible to realize a low-priced navigation device that can provide a road image only with a device configuration originally required for the navigation device.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, the same components are described with the same reference numerals.

  In order to facilitate understanding of the present invention, an outline of the present invention will be described with reference to a functional block diagram shown in FIG. The present invention includes a navigation device 101, a road video information creation device 111, and a road video information utilization system including the navigation device 101 and the road video information creation device 111.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, a navigation apparatus 101 according to the present invention includes a map information acquisition unit 102, a position detection unit 103, an input unit 104, a route search unit 105, a route guidance output unit 106, and a road image selection unit 107. It has.

  The map information acquisition unit 102 acquires map data from a recording medium such as a CD or a DVD. In addition, the map information acquisition means 102 can also be comprised by the communication means which acquires map data by communication from the outside. The position detection means 103 detects the current position of the vehicle on which the navigation device 101 is mounted. The current position of the vehicle on the map is determined based on the current position of the vehicle detected by the position detection unit 103 and the map data acquired by the map information acquisition unit 102.

  The input means 104 inputs information for selecting one of a plurality of road images in different time zones at one point stored in the recording medium. The route search means 105 searches for a travel route from the current position of the host vehicle to the destination. A road image is output when a specific point on the route searched by the route search means 105 is set as a guidance display point.

  The route guidance output means 106 guides and outputs road images corresponding to the guidance display points. The road video selection unit 107 selects a road video corresponding to the guidance display point where the route guidance is performed according to the information input from the input unit 104, and sends it to the route guidance output unit 106.

  As shown in FIG. 1B, the road video information creating apparatus 111 according to the present invention includes a map information acquisition unit 112, a position detection unit 113, an imaging unit 114, and a road video information recording unit 115.

  The map information acquisition unit 112 acquires map data from a recording medium such as a CD or a DVD. In addition, the map information acquisition means 102 can also be comprised by the communication means which acquires map data by communication from the outside. The position detection unit 113 detects the current position of the vehicle on which the imaging unit 114 is mounted. The current position of the vehicle on the map is determined based on the current position of the vehicle detected by the position detection unit 103 and the map data acquired by the map information acquisition unit 102.

  The imaging unit 114 captures a landscape of the road on which the vehicle travels with a camera and creates a live-action image. The road video information recording unit 115 stores, as road video streaming data, the actual video captured by the imaging unit 114, which is obtained by editing the real video corresponding to the guidance display point into, for example, MPEG format streaming data. To do. The road video streaming data can also be created by editing three-dimensional CG (Computer Graphics) data representing a road landscape that has already been created into streaming data.

  The road video information utilization system according to the present invention is configured by combining the navigation device 101 and the road video information creation device 111 described above.

  Next, the navigation device 101, the road video information creation device 111, and the road video information utilization system including the navigation device 101 and the road video information creation device 111 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Explained.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of navigation device 101 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The navigation device 101 reproduces a road video based on the road video streaming data created by the road video information creation device 111. The road video streaming data is composed of streaming data obtained by converting a plurality of road video data into the MPEG format and reproduction start position data for indicating the reproduction start position. In the first embodiment, the case where MPEG format data is used as the road video streaming data will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to the MPEG format, and other format data can also be used.

  The navigation device 101 includes a CPU 201, a program RAM 202, a data RAM 203, an external storage device 204, a display circuit 205, a display device 206, an audio output circuit 207, a speaker 208, an input circuit 209, an operation switch 210, a vehicle signal interface (I / F). ) 211, a gyro 212, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver 213, a GPS antenna 214, a VICS (Vehicle Information & Communication System) receiver 215, and a VICS antenna 216.

  The CPU 201 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer. The CPU 201 controls the entire navigation device 101. Details of the processing executed by the CPU 201 will be described later.

  The program RAM 202 stores a program executed by the CPU 201. The data RAM 203 is used for temporarily storing data and the like when the CPU 201 executes a program. The control means and the first and second control means described in the claims are composed of a CPU 201, a program RAM 202 and a data RAM 203.

  The external storage device 204 corresponds to the road video acquisition means of the present invention, and stores road video streaming data, map data, and the like. The external storage device 204 includes a drive device that drives an exchangeable recording medium such as a CD or a DVD. The road video acquisition means of the present invention can also be constituted by a disk device or the like for storing road video streaming data and map data acquired from the outside by communication.

  In response to an instruction from the CPU 201, the display circuit 205 generates a video signal for causing the display device 206 to display a road video based on the road video streaming data read from the external storage device 204 and a map based on the map data. The video signal generated by the display circuit 205 is sent to the display device 206. The display device 206 is composed of, for example, an LCD or a CRT, and displays a video (moving image) based on a video signal sent from the display circuit 205. The display means of the present invention comprises a display circuit 205 and a display device 206.

  The voice output circuit 207 generates a voice signal for generating a guidance voice as one of navigation functions in response to an instruction from the CPU 201. The audio signal generated by the audio output circuit 207 is sent to the speaker 208. The speaker 208 generates a guidance voice by converting the voice signal sent from the voice output circuit 207 into an acoustic signal.

  The input circuit 209 receives a signal from the operation switch 210 for operating the navigation device 101 and a vehicle signal sent from the vehicle 10 on which the navigation device 101 is mounted via the vehicle signal interface 211. Send to. The vehicle signal includes a vehicle speed signal sent from a vehicle speed sensor 11 provided in the vehicle 10, a small lamp lighting signal sent from a lamp sensor 12 for detecting whether or not the small lamp is lit. . The vehicle speed sensor 11 corresponds to the speed detection means of this invention. The time zone determining means of the present invention comprises a CPU 201 that determines whether or not a small lamp is lit based on a small lamp lighting signal.

  The gyro 212 detects the traveling direction (azimuth) of the vehicle 10 on which the navigation device 101 is mounted. The orientation detected by the gyro 212 is sent to the CPU 201 as an orientation signal. The GPS receiver 213 detects the current position of the vehicle 10 on which the navigation device 101 is mounted, based on a signal from the GPS antenna 214 that has received radio waves from GPS satellites. The current position detected by the GPS receiver 213 is sent to the CPU 201 as a current position signal.

  The present position detecting means of the present invention includes the vehicle speed sensor 11, the gyro 212, the GPS receiver 213, and the GPS antenna 214 described above.

  The CPU 201 calculates the current position of the vehicle 10 according to the following procedure. That is, the CPU 201 first reads map data stored in the external storage device 204. Next, based on the vehicle speed signal included in the vehicle signal sent from the vehicle signal interface 211, the bearing signal sent from the gyro 212, and the current position signal sent from the GPS receiver 213, Find the position. Based on the obtained current position signal of the vehicle 10 and the previously read map data, the current position on the map of the vehicle 10 is obtained.

  The VICS receiver 215 generates a traffic information signal based on the signal from the VICS antenna 216 that has received the FM multiplex broadcast (traffic information) radio wave, and sends the traffic information signal to the CPU 201. The CPU 201 reproduces the traffic information based on the traffic information signal and displays the traffic information on the display device 206 or outputs it by voice through the speaker 208.

  The operation of the navigation device 101 according to the first embodiment configured as described above will be described in detail later.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of road image information creating apparatus 111 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The road video information creation device 111 includes a personal computer (PC) 301, a camera 302, a vehicle signal interface (I / F) 303, a gyro 304, a GPS receiver 305, a GPS antenna 306, and an external storage device 307. .

  The personal computer 301 controls the entire road video information creation device 111. In the first embodiment, the personal computer 301 is used to control the entire road video information creating apparatus 111. However, a dedicated apparatus can be used instead of the personal computer 301.

  The camera 302 is mounted on the vehicle 20 and photographs a road on which the vehicle 20 travels. A real image obtained by photographing with the camera 302 is sent to the personal computer 301.

  A vehicle signal interface (I / F) 303 takes in a vehicle signal sent from the vehicle 20 and sends it to the personal computer 301. The vehicle signal includes a vehicle speed signal sent from a vehicle speed sensor 21 provided in the vehicle 20.

  The gyro 304 detects the traveling direction (azimuth) of the vehicle 20 on which the camera 302 is mounted. The direction detected by the gyro 304 is sent to the personal computer 301 as a direction signal.

  The GPS receiver 305 detects the current position of the vehicle 20 on which the camera 302 is mounted based on a signal from the GPS antenna 306 that has received radio waves from GPS satellites. The current position detected by the GPS receiver 305 is sent to the personal computer 301 as a current position signal.

  The external storage device 307 stores road video streaming data, map data, and the like. As described above, the road video streaming data is composed of streaming data obtained by converting a plurality of road video data into the MPEG format and reproduction start position data for instructing the reproduction start position. The external storage device 307 includes a drive device that drives an exchangeable recording medium such as a CD (CR-R) or a DVD (DVD-R). The external storage device 307 can be replaced with a hard disk device or the like for storing road video streaming data, map data, and the like.

  The road image information creation device 111 according to Embodiment 1 configured as described above operates as follows. First, when the vehicle 20 equipped with the camera 302 reaches a guidance display point where guidance by a road image such as 300 m before an intersection, for example, is to be started, shooting of the road by the camera 302 is started. The point at which this photographing is started is used as reproduction start position data.

  When shooting of the road by the camera 302 is started, the personal computer 301 reads map data stored in the external storage device 307. Next, based on the vehicle speed signal included in the vehicle signal sent from the vehicle signal interface 303, the direction signal sent from the gyro 304, and the current position signal sent from the GPS receiver 305, Find the position. Based on the obtained current position signal of the vehicle 20 and the previously read map data, the current position on the map of the vehicle 20 is obtained.

  Next, the personal computer 301 captures and encodes actual road video sequentially sent from the camera 302 to edit it into MPEG-format streaming data composed of a plurality of road video data. Next, the reproduction start position data is associated with the streaming data obtained by the editing, and is recorded on the recording medium of the external storage device 307 as the road video streaming data.

  The recording medium created by the road video information creation device 111 in this way is used by being attached to the external storage device 204 of the navigation device 101.

  Next, the operation of the navigation device 101 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, the general operation of the navigation device 101 will be described with reference to the timing chart shown in FIG. FIG. 4A shows a state in which the vehicle 10 equipped with the navigation device 101 travels in a pattern in which the vehicle speed is gradually decreased from the traveling state to stop, and then the vehicle speed is gradually increased again. .

  The CPU 201 generates a video update signal as shown in FIG. 4B every time the moving distance of the vehicle 10 reaches a predetermined value. Whether or not the travel distance has reached a predetermined value is determined based on a vehicle speed signal sent from the vehicle speed sensor 11 via the vehicle signal interface 211 and the input circuit 209. Accordingly, the interval at which the video update signal is output becomes dense as the vehicle speed increases, and conversely becomes coarse as the vehicle speed decreases, and the video update signal is not output while the vehicle is stopped.

  As shown in FIG. 4C, the CPU 201 decodes a plurality of road video data constituting the MPEG format streaming data in synchronization with the video update signal and sends the decoded data to the display circuit 205. Therefore, the interval at which the road image is updated becomes dense as the vehicle speed becomes high, and conversely becomes rough as the vehicle speed becomes low, and the road image is not updated while the vehicle is stopped.

  FIG. 4D shows a conventional video update signal generated at a constant time period, and FIG. 4E shows an image obtained by updating road video data with a video update signal generated at a constant time period. Indicates a state of being updated. In this case, the road image is sequentially updated regardless of the moving speed of the vehicle 10.

  Next, details of processing performed by the CPU 201 of the navigation apparatus 101 to realize the operation shown in FIG. 4 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  FIG. 5A shows high-order processing (step ST10) for realizing the route guidance function of the navigation device 101. In this upper processing, a road video output request is generated, and a road video reproduction process is activated in response to the road video output request. A detailed description of the processing contents of the upper process is omitted.

  FIG. 5B is a flowchart showing the road video reproduction process. In this road video reproduction process, processing such as monitoring whether there is a road video output request from a higher-level process, determining whether road video output is necessary, and starting / updating / ending output of road video are cyclically executed.

  That is, in the road video reproduction process, as shown in FIG. 5B, first, it is checked whether or not there is a road video output request from the upper process (step ST20). Here, when it is determined that there is no road video output request, the road video reproduction process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in step ST20 that there is a road video output request, it is then checked whether or not a streaming data end notification has not been obtained (step ST21). Here, if it is determined that the streaming data end notification is not yet obtained, that is, it is determined that the streaming end notification is obtained, the end of the road video output is notified to the upper processing (step ST22). After that, the road video playback process ends.

  If it is determined in step ST21 that the streaming data end notification has not been obtained, it is then checked whether or not to continue outputting streaming data (step ST23). Here, it is determined that “start” is output when streaming data is output for the first time in response to a road video output request, and “continue” is performed when the second and subsequent steps are performed. If it is determined in step ST23 that the output of streaming data is not continued, that is, it is a start, the current position of the vehicle 10 on which the navigation device 101 is mounted is acquired (step ST24). As described above, the current position of the vehicle 10 is calculated by the current position detection unit configured by the vehicle speed sensor 11, the gyro 212, the GPS receiver 213, and the GPS antenna 214.

  Next, the video position information of the streaming data corresponding to the current position of the vehicle 10, that is, the start address and the data length are acquired from the external storage device 204 (step ST25). Next, streaming data reproduction start processing is performed (step ST26). In this reproduction start processing, initial setting of streaming data for outputting road video and processing for displaying the first video are performed.

  Specifically, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5C, first, one road video data is read from the external storage device 204 from the streaming data designated by the start address and data length acquired in step ST25. Is decoded and sent to the display circuit 205. As a result, the first road image is displayed on the display device 206. Next, the video position information of the streaming data is updated in preparation for displaying the next road video (step ST31). Thereafter, the sequence returns to the road video playback processing routine, and the road video playback processing ends.

  If it is determined in step ST23 that the output of streaming data is to be continued, the moving distance is acquired (step ST27). As described above, the movement distance is calculated based on the vehicle speed signal sent from the vehicle speed sensor 11 via the vehicle signal interface 211 and the input circuit 209.

  Next, it is checked whether or not the movement distance acquired in step ST27 has reached the distance to be updated (step ST28). If it is determined in step ST28 that the distance to be updated is reached, a video update process is performed (step ST29). In this video update process, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5D, first, a process of displaying a video of streaming data is performed (step ST40). Specifically, one road video data in the streaming data designated by the start address and the data length at that time is read from the external storage device 204, decoded, and sent to the display circuit 205. As a result, the next road image is displayed on the display device 206.

  Next, the video position information of the streaming data is updated in preparation for displaying the next road video (step ST41). Next, it is checked whether or not the streaming data is finished (step ST42). Here, if it is determined that it is the end, the end of output of the streaming data is notified to the road video reproduction process (step ST43). Thereafter, the sequence returns to the road video playback processing routine, and the road video playback processing ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in step ST42 that the process is not ended, the process in step ST43 is skipped, the sequence returns to the road video playback process routine, and the road video playback process ends.

  As described above, according to the navigation device 101 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the video is updated for each preset moving distance of the vehicle 10 by using the moving distance as the video update timing. Therefore, unnecessary video updates such as when the vehicle is stopped are not performed as compared with the case where the vehicle is updated at regular intervals. As a result, for example, it is possible to reduce the amount of road video streaming data at a position where a low-speed traveling or stop is predicted, such as an intersection, and it is possible to reduce the load on the CPU 201 and the like by reducing the frequency of video update. .

  Next, a modification of the navigation device 101 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the navigation device according to this modification, data transfer from the recording medium to the display device is performed by direct memory access (DMA).

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a main part of a navigation device according to a modification. In this navigation apparatus, the display circuit 205 portion of the navigation apparatus 101 shown in FIG. 2 includes a DMA controller 502 and a general-purpose drawing chip 503. Below, only the part which is different from the navigation apparatus 101 which concerns on Embodiment 1 mentioned above is demonstrated.

  When the video position information (start address and data length) is sent from the CPU 201, the DMA controller 502 is designated by the start address of the recording medium loaded in the external storage device 204, independently of the operation of the CPU 201. The streaming data is read from the position and sent to the general-purpose drawing chip. Then, when the transfer of the streaming data corresponding to the designated data length is completed, the end of video reproduction is reported to the CPU 201.

  The general-purpose drawing chip 503 decodes the MPEG format streaming data to generate a video signal, and sends it to the display device 206.

  Next, the operation of the navigation device according to the modified example configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  FIG. 7A shows high-order processing (step ST50) for realizing the route guidance function of the navigation device. In this upper processing, a road video output request is generated, and a road video reproduction process is activated in response to the road video output request. A detailed description of the processing contents of the upper process is omitted.

  FIG. 7B is a flowchart showing a road video reproduction process in the navigation device according to the modification of the first embodiment. In this road video reproduction process, processing such as monitoring whether there is a road video output request from a higher-level process, determining whether road video output is necessary, and starting / updating / ending output of road video are cyclically executed.

  That is, in the road video reproduction process, as shown in FIG. 7B, first, it is checked whether or not there is a road video output request from the host process (step ST60). Here, when it is determined that there is no road video output request, the road video reproduction process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in step ST60 that there is a road video output request, it is then checked whether or not a streaming data end notification has not been obtained (step ST61). If it is determined that the streaming data end notification is not yet obtained, that is, it is determined that the streaming end notification has been obtained, the end of the road video output is notified to the higher-level processing (step ST62), and the road video reproduction processing ends.

  If it is determined in step ST61 that the streaming data end notification has not been obtained, it is then checked whether or not to continue outputting streaming data (step ST63). If it is determined in step ST63 that the output of streaming data is not continued, that is, it is a start, the current position of the vehicle 10 on which the navigation device is mounted is acquired (step ST64). As described above, the current position of the vehicle 10 is calculated by the current position detection unit configured by the vehicle speed sensor 11, the gyro 212, the GPS receiver 213, and the GPS antenna 214.

  Next, the video position information of the streaming data corresponding to the current position of the vehicle 10, that is, the start address and the data length, is acquired from the external storage device 204 and set in the DMA controller 502 (step ST65). . As a result, the DMA controller 502 starts reading streaming data from the position specified by the start address of the recording medium loaded in the external storage device 204.

  Next, the general-purpose drawing chip 503 is instructed to start reproduction of streaming data (step ST66). As a result, the general-purpose drawing chip 503 decodes the streaming data sent from the DMA controller 502 to generate a video signal, and sends it to the display device 206. Thereafter, the road video reproduction process ends.

  If it is determined in step ST63 that the output of streaming data is to be continued, the moving distance is acquired (step ST67). As described above, the movement distance is calculated based on the vehicle speed signal sent from the vehicle speed sensor 11 via the vehicle signal interface 211 and the input circuit 209.

  Next, it is checked whether or not the movement distance acquired in step ST67 has reached the distance to be updated (step ST68). If it is determined in step ST68 that the distance to be updated is reached, the general-purpose drawing chip 503 is instructed to update the image by streaming (step ST69). As a result, the general-purpose drawing chip 503 generates a video signal by executing a drawing process on the next road video data of the streaming data, and sends the video signal to the display device 206.

  In the process of repeatedly executing the above-described road video reproduction process, the DMA controller 502 reports the video reproduction end to the CPU 201 when the transfer of the streaming data corresponding to the designated data length is completed. As a result, in the next step ST61, it is determined that the streaming data end notification has been obtained, and a series of road image reproduction processing ends.

  As described above, according to the navigation device of the modification of the first embodiment of the present invention, the video reproduction function realized by the software processing in the CPU 201 is performed using the general-purpose drawing chip 503. Therefore, in addition to the effect exhibited by the navigation device according to the first embodiment, the load on the CPU 201 can be reduced. As a result, a navigation device can be configured using a CPU that does not have high performance.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
Embodiment 2 of the present invention relates to a navigation device 101, and when a road image is reproduced using a moving distance as an image update timing, a limiter is applied so that the image update is not accelerated when the vehicle 10 travels at a high speed exceeding a predetermined speed. It is a thing.

  The hardware configuration of the navigation apparatus 101 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention is the same as the hardware configuration of the navigation apparatus 101 according to Embodiment 1 shown in FIG.

  Next, the operation of the navigation device 101 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. First, the general operation of the navigation device 101 will be described with reference to the timing chart shown in FIG.

  FIG. 8A shows a state where the vehicle 10 equipped with the navigation device 101 travels while gradually increasing the vehicle speed from the stopped state. The CPU 201 generates a video update signal every time the moving distance of the vehicle 10 reaches a predetermined value. Whether or not the travel distance has reached the predetermined value is determined based on the vehicle speed signal sent from the vehicle speed sensor 11 via the vehicle signal interface 211 and the input circuit 209 as described above.

  If the limiter is not set now, as shown in FIG. 8 (A), when the speed of the vehicle 10 increases, the interval between the video update signals is as shown in FIG. 8 (B). It becomes dense as the speed increases. Accordingly, the image update interval also becomes more frequent as the speed of the vehicle 10 becomes higher, as shown in FIG. However, from the viewpoint that the driver visually recognizes the road image, it is meaningless if the image is updated at an interval shorter than necessary.

  Therefore, in the navigation device 101 according to the second embodiment, when the moving speed of the vehicle 10 exceeds the predetermined limit speed, as shown in FIG. 8D, the minimum update interval that can be processed by the CPU 201. A video update signal is generated at T. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8E, when the moving speed of the vehicle 10 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the road image is updated at the minimum update interval T.

  Next, details of processing performed by the CPU 201 of the navigation device 101 in order to realize the above-described operation will be described.

  The processing performed in the CPU 201 of the navigation device 101 according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 5 except for step ST29 in FIG. 5B and the video update processing shown in FIG. This is the same as the processing performed in the CPU 201 of the navigation device 101 according to FIG. Accordingly, only the video update process will be described below.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing video update processing performed by the CPU 201 of the navigation device 101 according to the second embodiment. In this video update process, first, it is checked whether the video update interval of the streaming data is equal to or greater than the minimum update interval T (step ST70). If it is determined that the interval is equal to or greater than the minimum update interval, processing for displaying video of streaming data is performed (step ST71). Specifically, one road video data in the streaming data designated by the start address and the data length at that time is read from the external storage device 204, decoded, and sent to the display circuit 205. As a result, the next road image is displayed on the display device 206. On the other hand, if it is determined that the interval is not greater than the minimum update interval, the process of step ST71 is skipped. As a result, when the video update is not in time, the video is not updated, and an increase in the load on the CPU 201 is also suppressed.

  Next, the video position information of the streaming data is updated in preparation for displaying the next road video (step ST72). Next, it is checked whether or not the streaming data is finished (step ST73). Here, if it is determined that it is the end, the end of output of the streaming data is notified to the road video reproduction process (step ST74). Thereafter, the sequence returns to the road video playback processing routine, and the road video playback processing ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in step ST73 that the process is not ended, the process of step ST74 is skipped, the sequence returns to the road video playback process routine, and the road video playback process ends.

  As described above, according to the navigation device 101 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, since the limiter is applied so that the video update is not accelerated during high-speed traveling, unnecessary video updating during high-speed traveling is suppressed. The increase in the load on the CPU 201 due to the video update can be suppressed.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
The third embodiment of the present invention relates to a road video information creating apparatus 111, and when creating road video streaming data, the data resolution is lowered to edit the data capacity suitable for a recording medium.

  The hardware configuration of the road video information creating apparatus 111 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention is the same as the hardware configuration of the road video information creating apparatus 111 according to Embodiment 1 shown in FIG.

  Next, the operation of the road video information creating apparatus 111 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described. First, an outline of processing for reducing the resolution will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 10A, a real image obtained by shooting with the camera 302 is composed of a set of minimum drawing units 701. Four minimum drawing units 701 are combined to form one image component 702. As shown in FIG. 10B, the photographed video is composed of a plurality of constituent elements 702.

  In the road video information creating apparatus 111 according to the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10C, display elements such as colors of four minimum rendering units 701 for each of the plurality of constituent elements 702 of the original video. A new minimum rendering unit 704 of the edited video in which the resolution is lowered by taking the average value of is generated. Then, as shown in FIG. 10D, a video 705 having a reduced resolution made up of a set of minimum drawing units 704 of a new edited video is created and used as road video data.

  Next, details of the above-described processing for reducing the resolution will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 and the explanatory diagram shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 12A, the original image has X1max (eight in the illustrated example) minimum drawing units 701 arranged in the X-axis direction and Y1max (eight in the illustrated example) 701 in the Y-axis direction. It shall be configured. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12B, the edited video has X2max (4 in the illustrated example) and Y2max (4 in the illustrated) new minimum drawing unit in the Y-axis direction. It is assumed that it is obtained as an array of 704.

  In the resolution reduction process, first, the initial position of the original video and the initial position of the edited video are set (step ST80). Specifically, X1 = 0 and Y1 = 0 are set as the initial positions of the original video, and X2 = 0 and Y2 = 0 are set as the initial positions of the edited video. Next, it is checked whether or not editing in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) has been completed (step ST81). This is done by examining whether X1 has become greater than X1max.

  If it is determined in step ST81 that the editing in the horizontal direction has not ended, a minimum drawing unit 704 of the edited video is created from the four combinations of the minimum drawing unit 701 of the original video (step ST82). Specifically, the average value of the RGB values of the four minimum drawing units 701 such as (X1, Y1), (X1, Y1 + 1), (X1 + 1, Y1) and (X1 + 1, Y1 + 1) is calculated, and the minimum drawing after editing is calculated. The unit 704 is stored in (X2, Y2) of the edited video.

  Next, the horizontal editing position of the video is updated (step ST83). That is, X1 = X1 + 2 and X2 = X2 + 1 are executed. Thereafter, the sequence returns to step ST81, and the process of steps ST81 → ST82 → ST83 → ST81... Is repeated. In the process of repeated execution, if it is determined in step ST81 that the editing in the horizontal direction has ended, it is checked whether the editing in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction) has ended (step ST84). This is done by examining whether Y1 has become greater than Y1max.

  If it is determined in step ST84 that vertical editing has not been completed, the vertical editing position of the video is updated (step ST85). That is, Y1 = Y1 + 2, X1 = 0, Y2 = Y2 + 1, and X2 = 0 are executed. Thereafter, the sequence returns to step ST81, and the same processing is repeated thereafter. If it is determined in step ST84 that vertical editing has been completed in the process of repeated execution, the resolution reduction process ends.

  As described above, according to the road video information creating apparatus 111 according to the third embodiment, the number of the minimum rendering units 704 of the edited video is 1/4 of the number of the minimum rendering units 701 of the original video. Therefore, since the amount of road video data can be reduced to ¼, the amount of road video streaming data stored in the recording medium can be reduced to about ¼, and the data capacity can be edited to be suitable for the recording medium.

  In the third embodiment described above, an example is shown in which four minimum drawing units in the original video are converted into one minimum drawing unit in the edited video, but there are four minimum drawing units in the original video. The number is not limited to the above, and any number may be used as long as it is two or more.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
Embodiment 4 of the present invention relates to a road video information creating apparatus 111. When road video streaming data is stored in a recording medium, the data capacity suitable for the recording medium is obtained by thinning out the road video data and extending the video update cycle. To be edited.

  The hardware configuration of the road video information creating apparatus 111 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention is the same as the hardware configuration of the road video information creating apparatus 111 according to Embodiment 1 shown in FIG.

  Next, the operation of the road video information creating apparatus 111 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described. First, an outline of processing for extending the video update cycle will be described with reference to FIG.

  The personal computer 301 generates a video update signal with a short update cycle T1 as shown in FIG. 13A every time the vehicle 20 on which the camera 302 is mounted travels and the moving distance reaches a predetermined value. Whether or not the travel distance has reached a predetermined value is determined based on a vehicle speed signal sent from the vehicle speed sensor 21 via the vehicle signal interface 303. Accordingly, the road video data constituting the MPEG format streaming data is generated in synchronization with the video update signal as shown in FIG.

  In the road video information creating apparatus 111 according to the fourth embodiment, when storing the road video in the recording medium, the personal computer 301 sends a video update signal having a long update cycle T2 as shown in FIG. Generate. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 13D, the plurality of road video data constituting the MPEG format streaming data is stored in the recording medium in synchronization with the video update signal while part of the road video data is thinned out. The

  Next, the details of the thinning process in which some road video data is thinned out from the plurality of road video data and stored in the recording medium will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 14 and the explanatory diagram shown in FIG. To do.

  In the following, as shown in FIG. 15, the original video (array) is “A (N)”, the edited video is “B (M)”, the original video update distance [m] is “AL”, and the edited video is updated. The distance [m] is “BL”, the original video array element No. “N”, the edited video array element No. “M”, the maximum number of array elements in the original video is “Nmax”, the maximum number of array elements in the edited video is “Mmax”, the distance from the edited video B (0) to B (M) is “L”, the original video The distance [m] from A (N) to the edited video B (M) is represented by “S”.

  In this thinning process, first, various initial values to be used later are set (step ST90). Specifically, AL = 1.0 and N = 0 are set for the original video. For the edited video, BL = 1.25 and M = 0 are set. Further, regarding the number of images, Nmax = 100 and Mmax = (Nmax × A) / B are set.

  Next, it is checked whether or not the edited video remains (step ST91). If it is determined that there is no remaining edited video, the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a remaining edited video, then an operation for determining whether the original video (array) should be stored in the edited video (array) is executed (step ST92). Specifically, the distance L to the element M of the edited video B (M) is calculated by the formula “L = BL × M”. Next, the distance S from the adjacent original video A (N) to B (M) is calculated by the formula “S = L / AL remainder”.

  Next, it is checked whether or not the distance to the original video A (N) is short (step ST93). This is performed, for example, by checking whether the distance S is smaller than the distance AL / 2. If it is determined that the images are close, the original video A (N) is stored in the edited video B (M) (step ST94). On the other hand, if it is determined that they are not close, the next original video A (N + 1) is stored in the edited video B (M) (step ST95).

  Next, in order to determine whether or not the next original video needs to be extracted, the edited video array element No. M is incremented (step ST96). Thereafter, the sequence returns to step ST91, and the same processing is repeated thereafter.

  With the above processing, as shown in FIG. 15, the edited video B (M) in which the original videos A (3) and A (8) are thinned out is created.

  As described above, according to the road video information creating apparatus 111 according to the fourth embodiment, when shooting a road with the camera 302, a high-quality video is acquired by shortening the video update cycle and storing it on a recording medium. When storing, the acquired video is thinned out and stored, so that the amount of road video streaming data stored in the recording medium can be reduced. Accordingly, it is possible to provide road video streaming data suitable for various types (capacities) of recording media.

  In the road video information creation device 111 according to the fourth embodiment, the original video maximum array element number Nmax = 100, the original video update distance AL = 1.0, and the edited video update distance BL = 1.25. Although it is determined that the distance S from the video A (N) to the edited video B (M) is close to a half of the original video update distance AL, these numerical values are examples, and the present invention Any number can be used.

Embodiment 5 FIG.
Embodiment 5 of the present invention relates to a road video information creating apparatus 111, which performs a retouch process on road video streaming data and stores it in a recording medium.

  The hardware configuration of the road video information creating apparatus 111 according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention is the same as the hardware configuration of the road video information creating apparatus 111 according to Embodiment 1 shown in FIG.

  Next, the operation of the road video information creating apparatus 111 according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention will be described. The personal computer 301 obtains a live-action image as shown in FIG. 16A from the camera 302 every time the vehicle 20 on which the camera 302 is mounted travels and the moving distance becomes a predetermined value.

  Next, the personal computer 301 executes a retouch process for adjusting the contrast and sharpness of the photographed image. As a result, an edited image with improved driver visibility is obtained as shown in FIG. This edited video is stored in the recording medium by the method described in the first to fourth embodiments.

  In order to guide the driver, an image of a portion having a large elevation angle is often unnecessary. In such a case, as shown by a broken line 903 in FIG. 16B, trimming processing for extracting only the lower region of the video is performed, and the edited video subjected to this trimming processing is converted into the above-described first to first embodiments. It can be configured to be stored in a recording medium by a method as shown in the fourth embodiment.

  As described above, according to the road video information creating apparatus 111 according to the fifth embodiment, the video obtained by shooting the road with the camera 302 is subjected to retouching or trimming and stored in the recording medium. Since it did in this way, visibility can be improved to the level suitable for visual observation at the time of driving | running | working.

Embodiment 6 FIG.
Embodiment 6 of the present invention relates to a road video information creating apparatus 111, and converts previously created 3D CG data representing road video into MPEG format streaming data and stores it in a recording medium as road video streaming data. Is.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the hardware configuration of the road video information creation apparatus 111 according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention includes a personal computer (PC) 301 and an external storage device 307. The personal computer 301 includes a guidance point extraction function 301a, a guidance function 301b, and a three-dimensional CG function 301c.

  The guide point extraction function 301a automatically extracts points such as intersections (all approach directions), branch points (all branch directions), sights, and facilities from map data in accordance with a predetermined extraction criterion. The guidance function 301b creates a route for creating a three-dimensional CG image. The three-dimensional CG function 301c creates a three-dimensional CG image from information such as latitude, longitude, and traveling direction on the guidance display route R1.

  The external storage device 307 stores three-dimensional CG data 307a, map data 307b, and video data 307c. The 3D CG data 307a is data created using, for example, a CAD system or the like, and is used to create a 3D CG image. The map data 307b is used by the guide point extraction function 301a and the guidance function 301b. The video data 307 includes a video array A described later.

  Next, the operation of the road video information creating apparatus 111 according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention will be described. First, an outline of the operation will be described with reference to FIG.

  The personal computer 301 generates a video update signal at a cycle corresponding to a predetermined movement distance as shown in FIG. Then, as shown in FIG. 18A, the three-dimensional CG video is drawn in synchronization with the video update signal. The three-dimensional CG image rendered in this way is converted into MPEG format road image streaming data and stored in a storage medium as shown in FIG.

  Next, details of processing for converting 3D CG into MPEG format streaming data to generate road video streaming data will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. 19 and an explanatory diagram shown in FIG.

  In the following, the video array is “A”, the video update interval distance [m] is “AL”, and the video array element No. Is “N”, the number of video array elements is “Nmax”, and the recorded video distance [m], which is the distance from A (0) to A (N), is represented by “L”.

  First, a guidance display point (section) extracted in advance by the guidance point extraction function 301a is set in the guidance function 301b (step ST100). The guide display point is designated by selecting a guide display point in a menu list displayed on a display device (not shown) of the road video information creation device 111, and a point on the map displayed on the display device is manually selected in accordance with this designation. It can also be configured to select and set in.

  Next, a guidance display route is created using the guidance function 301b (step ST101). Specifically, when the guidance display point is, for example, an intersection, a guidance start position as shown in FIG. 20 is drawn from the guidance display point and map data set in step ST100 in order to draw a 3D CG image. A guidance display route R1 including the vehicle position R2 is created on the guidance display point image corresponding to the approach direction and the video recording distance L.

  Next, initial values are set for creating a video array A for converting and storing 3D CG video into MPEG format video (step ST102). For example, video update interval distance AL = 1.0, video array element No. N = 0 and the number of video array elements Nmax = 9 are set.

  Next, it is checked whether or not there is a video creation remaining (step ST103). Here, if it is determined that there is no video creation remaining, the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a video remaining, the distance L from the video A (0) to A (N) is calculated by “L = AL × N” (step ST104).

  Next, using the three-dimensional CG video function 301c, a three-dimensional CG video is drawn based on information (latitude, longitude, traveling direction, etc.) of the recorded video distance L on the guidance display route (step ST105). . Next, the 3D CG video created in step ST105 is stored in the video element A (N) (step ST106). Next, in order to create the next video, the video array element No. Is incremented (N = N + 1) (step ST107). Thereafter, the sequence returns to step ST103, and the same processing is repeated thereafter. By this repeated processing, the three-dimensional CG video on the path is stored in the video data area 307c in the video array A (MPEG format).

  As described above, according to the road image information creation device 111 according to the sixth embodiment, the 3D CG data is converted into MPEG format streaming data in advance, compared with the case where the navigation device 101 directly draws the 3D CG. Since the navigation device 101 is configured to display the streaming data after conversion and storage in the recording medium, the load required for the video update is reduced compared to the case where the navigation device 101 directly draws the three-dimensional CG. Can be made.

  In the road image information creating apparatus 111 according to the sixth embodiment, the case where the 3D CG data is converted into MPEG format streaming data has been described as an example. However, other data that requires a large load for rendering is described. It can also be configured to convert to MPEG format streaming data, and in this case, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

Embodiment 7 FIG.
The seventh embodiment of the present invention relates to a navigation device 101, wherein a plurality of road image data related to the same guidance display point is automatically switched using a vehicle signal.

  The hardware configuration of the navigation device 101 according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention is the same as the hardware configuration of the navigation device 101 according to Embodiment 1 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 21B, the recording medium mounted in the external storage device 204 has daytime video data indicating a daytime road scenery as shown in FIG. 21A for one guidance display point. The night video data showing the scenery of the night road is stored.

  Next, the operation of the navigation apparatus 101 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of a route guidance screen displayed on the display device 206 of the navigation device 101. In this route guidance screen, the guidance display route R1 and the vehicle position R2 drawn on the map are displayed, and the position information of the guidance display point R3 is included.

  When the vehicle 10 equipped with this navigation device 101 travels on the guidance display route R1 on the map and reaches the guidance display point R3, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 23, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the small lamp is ON. (Step ST110). This is performed by checking whether the small lamp lighting signal in the vehicle signal sent from the lamp sensor 12 of the vehicle 10 via the vehicle signal interface 211 indicates the lighting of the small lamp.

  If it is determined in step ST110 that the small lamp is ON, a night road video is displayed on the display device 206 based on the night video data stored in the external storage device 204 (step ST111). On the other hand, if it is determined that the small lamp is not ON, a daytime road video is displayed on the display device 206 based on the daytime video data stored in the external storage device 204 (step ST112).

  As described above, according to the navigation device 101 according to the seventh embodiment, it is possible to display a video with high reality close to the actual vehicle surrounding environment.

  In the navigation device 101 according to the seventh embodiment, the switching between the daytime road image and the nighttime road image is performed according to the small lamp lighting signal. However, the switching of the road image is built in the navigation device 101. It is also possible to configure such that it is performed according to a time zone determined based on a time obtained from a clock mechanism (not shown). When switching road images depending on the time of day, not only the road images in the daytime and the road images at night but also the road images in two or more time zones such as morning, daytime, evening and night are recorded in the recording medium in advance In addition, the switching of the road image may be configured to select the corresponding road image according to the time zone determined based on the time obtained from the clock mechanism.

  In addition, road images for each season such as spring, summer, autumn and winter are recorded in advance on a recording medium, and the road images are switched according to the date of the road determined by the date determined based on the time information obtained from the clock mechanism. It can also be configured to select.

  Furthermore, since the driver's viewpoint differs depending on the vehicle height, a road video for each vehicle type is recorded in a recording medium in advance, and the road video is selected based on vehicle information obtained from the vehicle 10. You can also.

It is a functional block diagram which shows the outline | summary of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the navigation apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the road image information creation apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a timing chart for demonstrating the operation | movement of the outline of the navigation apparatus concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the detailed operation | movement of the navigation apparatus concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the navigation apparatus which concerns on the modification of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the detailed operation | movement of the navigation apparatus which concerns on the modification of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a timing chart for demonstrating the operation | movement of the outline of the navigation apparatus concerning Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the detailed operation | movement of the navigation apparatus concerning Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the outline processing content of the road image information creation apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the road image information creation apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating operation | movement of the road image | video information production apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a timing chart for demonstrating operation | movement of the road image information creation apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the road image information creation apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating operation | movement of the road image information creation apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating operation | movement of the road image information creation apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 5 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the road image information creation apparatus concerning Embodiment 6 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the outline | summary of operation | movement of the road image information creation apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 6 of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the road image information creation apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 6 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating operation | movement of the road image information creation apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 6 of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the outline | summary of operation | movement of the navigation apparatus concerning Embodiment 7 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating operation | movement of the navigation apparatus concerning Embodiment 7 of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the navigation apparatus concerning Embodiment 7 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10,20 Vehicle, 11, 21 Vehicle speed sensor, 12 Lamp sensor, 101 Navigation apparatus, 102 Map information acquisition means, 103 Position detection means, 104 Input means, 105 Route search means, 106 Route guidance output means, 107 Road image selection means 111 Road image information creation device, 112 Map information acquisition means, 113 Position detection means, 114 Imaging means, 115 Road image information recording means, 201 CPU, 202 Program RAM, 203 Data RAM, 204, 307 External storage device, 205 display Circuit, 206 Display device, 207 Audio output circuit, 208 Speaker, 209 input circuit, 210 Operation switch, 211, 303 Vehicle signal interface, 212, 304 Gyro, 213, 305 GPS receiver, 214, 306 GPS Antenna, 215 VICS receiver, 216 VICS antenna, 301 personal computer, 301a guide point extraction function, 301b guidance function, 301c three-dimensional CG function, 302 camera, 502 DMA controller, 503 general-purpose drawing chip.

Claims (12)

Road video acquisition means for acquiring road video streaming data including a plurality of road video data for displaying road video;
Current position detecting means for detecting the current position;
Speed detecting means for detecting the moving speed;
Display means for displaying road images based on sequentially updated road image data;
Each time the moving distance calculated based on the current position detected by the current position detecting means and the moving speed detected by the previous speed detecting means reaches a predetermined value, the road video streaming acquired by the road video acquiring means A navigation device comprising: control means for updating road video data included in the data and sending it to the display means, thereby displaying the road video. There is a time zone determination means that automatically determines the time zone,
The road video acquisition means acquires a plurality of road video streaming data for displaying a plurality of road videos in different time zones at one point,
The control means is configured to obtain a plurality of images acquired by the road image acquisition means each time the movement distance calculated based on the current position detected by the current position detection means and the movement speed detected by the speed detection means reaches a predetermined value. Updating the road video data included in the road video streaming data corresponding to the time zone determined by the time zone determination means and sending the road video data to the display means, thereby displaying the road video The navigation device according to claim 1. The control means
A DMA controller that directly captures road video streaming data acquired by the road video acquisition means;
The navigation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a general-purpose drawing chip that generates a video signal for drawing a road video based on road video streaming data captured by the DMA controller and sends the video signal to a display unit. The control means
If the speed detected by the speed detection means is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the road video data included in the road video streaming data acquired by the road video acquisition means is updated at predetermined time intervals and sent to the display means. The navigation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a road image is displayed. Imaging means for photographing the landscape of the road;
Current position detecting means for detecting the current position;
Road video streaming data is created by associating a plurality of road video data obtained by shooting with the imaging means with reproduction start position data created based on the current position detected by the current position detection means. A road image information creation device comprising control means. The control means
A plurality of road video data obtained by photographing with an imaging means is subjected to a resolution reduction process for reducing the resolution, and the reproduction start position data is associated with the plurality of road video data subjected to the resolution reduction process to provide a road video 6. The road video information creating apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the video data creating apparatus creates streaming data. The control means
A road video streaming data in which a predetermined number is thinned out from a plurality of road video data obtained by photographing with an imaging means, and reproduction start position data is associated with the plurality of road video data subjected to the thinning processing 6. The road image information creating apparatus according to claim 5, wherein The control means
A plurality of road video data obtained by photographing with the imaging means is subjected to video processing including retouch processing and trimming processing, and the road start data is associated with the plurality of road video data subjected to the video processing in association with the road start data. 6. The road video information creating apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the video video data is created. 3D road image acquisition means for acquiring 3D CG data representing a road image;
Conversion means for converting the 3D CG data acquired by the 3D road image acquisition means into a plurality of MPEG format road image data;
A road video information creating device comprising: control means for creating road video streaming data by associating reproduction start position data with a plurality of road video data obtained by conversion by the conversion means.   A recording medium on which road video data created by the road video information creation device according to any one of claims 5 to 9 is recorded. A road video information utilization system comprising a road video information creation device and a navigation device,
The road image information creation device
Imaging means for photographing the landscape of the road;
First current position detecting means for detecting a current position;
The road video streaming data is obtained by associating a plurality of road video data obtained by photographing with the imaging means with reproduction start position data created based on the current position detected by the first current position detecting means. First control means to create,
The navigation device
Road video acquisition means for acquiring road video streaming data created by the first control means of the road video information creation device;
Second current position detecting means for detecting a current position;
Speed detecting means for detecting the moving speed;
Display means for displaying road images based on sequentially updated road image data;
The road acquired by the road image acquisition means every time the movement distance calculated based on the current position detected by the second current position detection means and the movement speed detected by the previous speed detection means reaches a predetermined value. A road video information utilization system comprising: second control means for updating road video data included in the video streaming data and sending it to the display means, thereby displaying the road video. A road video information utilization system comprising a road video information creation device and a navigation device,
The road image information creation device
3D road image acquisition means for acquiring 3D CG data representing a road image;
Conversion means for converting the 3D CG data acquired by the 3D road image acquisition means into a plurality of MPEG format road image data;
First control means for creating road video streaming data by associating reproduction start position data with a plurality of road video data obtained by conversion by the conversion means,
The navigation device
Road video acquisition means for acquiring road video streaming data created by the first control means of the road video information creation device;
Second current position detecting means for detecting a current position;
Speed detecting means for detecting the moving speed;
Display means for displaying road images based on sequentially updated road image data;
The road acquired by the road image acquisition means every time the movement distance calculated based on the current position detected by the second current position detection means and the movement speed detected by the previous speed detection means reaches a predetermined value. A road video information utilization system comprising: second control means for updating road video data included in the video streaming data and sending it to the display means, thereby displaying the road video.

Images